On This Page You Will Find
- Why U.S. doctors and scientists are considering Canada
- Barriers to immigration and licensing
- Fast-tracked provincial pathways for U.S. physicians
- CMA’s recommendations to federal and provincial governments
- The broader impact on Canada’s healthcare system
Canada Must Act Fast to Attract U.S. Medical Talent, Says Canadian Medical Association
As healthcare job losses and political shifts unfold in the United States, Canada is being urged to move quickly to attract American doctors and medical researchers. According to a recent report by CBC News, the president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), Dr. Joss Reimer, has called this moment a “window of opportunity” for Canada to become a global destination for skilled health professionals.
Reimer warns that if the federal and provincial governments do not act swiftly to remove immigration and licensing barriers, Canada risks missing out on a wave of experienced U.S. professionals who are actively looking to relocate.
Immigration and Licensing Are the Biggest Barriers
Reimer points out that many U.S.-trained physicians interested in coming to Canada face two key hurdles: immigration procedures and recognition of their medical training.
She is calling on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to fast-track visas for interested professionals and eliminate unnecessary steps in the application process. At the same time, provinces and territories must work with medical licensing bodies to simplify or streamline licensing requirements for qualified American doctors.
“The best way to attract U.S. talent to Canada is for the federal government to work on immigration pathways while provinces and territories address licensing issues,” said Reimer.
Provinces Begin to Roll Out Fast-Track Licensing
Some provinces have already taken action. Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have all launched fast-tracked licensing pathways for U.S.-trained physicians.
Nova Scotia has seen early success with its efforts. According to Katrina Philopoulos, Director of Physician Recruitment at Nova Scotia Health, the province expects 15 U.S. doctors to join the workforce in the next year. This follows a 2023 policy change that allowed U.S. board-certified physicians to practise in Nova Scotia without additional training.
Overall, international medical recruits now make up 30 per cent of Nova Scotia Health’s new hires, with 7 per cent coming from the U.S. Philopoulos expects that number to grow.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan Join the Push
Other provinces are also beginning to act. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said his government is actively recruiting U.S. doctors, with six physicians being pursued just last week. Manitoba is also developing an advertising campaign to highlight opportunities in the province.
Neighbouring Saskatchewan recently launched its own campaign targeting U.S. physicians, citing the “uncertain political climate” south of the border as a motivator.
Canadian System Seen as a ‘Sunnier Side’
Dr. Reimer acknowledged that Canada’s universal healthcare system has its challenges, but she also highlighted several benefits that make it attractive to U.S. physicians.
Canadian doctors deal with less paperwork, as they do not need to navigate multiple insurance companies. More importantly, they are better able to make care decisions based on medical need, not a patient’s ability to pay or insurance coverage.
In contrast, the U.S. system often limits physicians’ choices due to administrative or financial constraints.
While the U.S. may offer higher average salaries, Reimer noted that American doctors face greater risks of being sued – and their take-home pay doesn’t always reflect those top-line numbers.
“We hope that, by demonstrating to them that there’s an option up here, they really will see that this is the sunnier side,” Reimer said.
A Critical Moment for Canada’s Healthcare System
Canada has a serious shortage of family doctors, with nearly 23,000 positions unfilled and an estimated 6.5 million Canadians lacking a family physician. Dr. Reimer stressed that this is the time for political leaders to put health care at the centre of their platforms.
She also emphasised the connection between health and the economy: “We know that income is the number one determinant of health. That means our health is also being threatened if our economy is weakened.”
As Canadians head into a federal election, Reimer is calling for stronger political focus on both short-term healthcare access and long-term workforce planning – including seizing the opportunity to attract displaced U.S. professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are American doctors interested in moving to Canada?
Many U.S. healthcare workers are facing job cuts, political instability, or burnout. Canada offers a publicly funded system, more autonomy in patient care, and a safer legal environment.
What are the main challenges U.S. doctors face when moving to Canada?
The biggest challenges are immigration processing delays and provincial licensing requirements. These can prevent qualified doctors from practising immediately upon arrival.
Which provinces are already fast-tracking U.S. doctors?
Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have all implemented faster licensing pathways for American-trained physicians. Others are following suit.
How many U.S. doctors are actively pursuing licences in Canada?
According to the Medical Council of Canada, about 120 U.S. medical graduates per month have recently opened accounts to start the licensing process – up from just 10 per month last year.
Is Canada’s healthcare system better for physicians than the U.S. system?
While Canadian doctors earn less on average, they face less administrative burden and have greater freedom to make patient-focused decisions. Many view it as a better work-life balance.
